Tennis Calendar
WTA launches council to reform tennis calendar by 2027
Reportado por IA Imagem gerada por IA
The Women's Tennis Association has formed a new Tour Architecture Council to address player complaints about the demanding schedule. Chaired by world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the 13-person panel will recommend changes to tournament timing, mandatory events, and penalties, aiming for implementation in 2027. The move follows widespread withdrawals from recent events like the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Several high-profile players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek, have withdrawn from the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Tournament director Salah Tahlak has urged the WTA to impose ranking point deductions for late withdrawals instead of fines. The absences, cited for injuries, illness, and fatigue, have reshaped the draw with Elena Rybakina as the top seed.